Family photos are from
MGS Member Pages.
Click on a photo to see its Page.

About the MGS Website

Darien, CT

Middlesex Genealogical Society

Next Presentation

• 1:00 pm - Pre-meeting Social
• 2:00 pm - "Exploring Your Empire State Roots." Presented by Michelle Dowd Torosian

Michelle Dowd Torosian

Are you interested in tracing your family's roots in New York but aren't sure where to start? Genealogy is a fascinating hobby but tracing your New York ancestors can be challenging. Join professional genealogist Michelle Dowd Torosian as she shares tips and techniques to best utilize the unique records of the Empire State.

Michelle Dowd Torosian is a professional genealogist and founder of Torosian Genealogy, LLC. Her extensive research experience and sharp analytical skills enable her to work with clients undertaking historical research, solving the mysteries lurking in the branches of their family trees, identifying unknown ancestors, and recovering forgotten stories. A former CPA with Deloitte and graduate of Rutgers University, Michelle is a certificate holder from Boston University s Genealogical Research program and the ProGen Study Group. Michelle serves as president of the Westchester County Genealogical Society and is a trustee of the Westchester County Historical Society.

Recording of Past Presentation Available to Members

Marian B. Wood

Tips and tricks for using the free Find a Grave site to research ancestors, memorialize their burial places, and connect with cousins. Beyond the basic search techniques that can uncover new genealogical clues, see how to catch the eye of cousins and researchers by linking family-tree members, posting ancestor bios, submitting edits and flowers, and personalizing your member profile. Also learn why and how to create a virtual cemetery for your ancestors--so relatives and descendants will know exactly where the bodies are buried!

Born in the Bronx and transplanted to Connecticut, Marian Burk Wood is the author of the popular genealogy book Planning a Future for Your Family's Past and a long-time blogger about family history methodology, issues, and discoveries at Climbing My Family Tree. She earned an MBA from Long Island University and a BA from the City University of New York. Marian has been researching her family tree for 28 years, with a special interest in documenting, sharing, and safeguarding family history for future generations.

The Middlesex Genealogical Society is located in the town of Darien, which is in Fairfield County, Connecticut, not far from New York City. Membership is open to all interested in family research, regardless of where they live. MGS draws members from various towns in Fairfield County, Connecticut, including Darien, New Canaan, Stamford, Greenwich, Norwalk, Wilton, Ridgefield, Westport, Weston, Redding, Fairfield.

The Middlesex Genealogical Society was established in 1982 for the purpose of encouraging those interested in researching their family history and to provide guidance to that end. The Society does not limit its focus to Darien or Fairfield County. It provides assistance for all researchers, wherever their ancestry leads.

A Newsletter is published quarterly.

MGS holds program Presentation Meetings on five Saturdays during the year, presenting speakers on various topics of interest to all genealogists.

If you are new to genealogy, see our Getting Started page.

Volunteers are available at the Darien Library to help you with research problems, or just to get you started.

Member Pages display the genealogical interests of members and help them connect with distant relatives.

The MGS project at Family Tree DNA helps you understand your Y-DNA results and what to do next.

MGS is registered with the State of Connecticut, thereby giving members access to vital records at town and city record offices in Connecticut.

About Our Name

The MGS name is derived from Middlesex Parish, the original name by which Darien, Connecticut, was known before becoming incorporated in 1820. The MGS founders were from Darien and chose "Middlesex" to honor the town. The name "Middlesex" is shown below on part of a 1789 map of Darien by Christopher Colles.

The main road is part of the 1,300-mile road from Boston to Charleston, South Carolina, ordered by King Charles II (now Old Kings Highway North) N in the upper left corner is north + is the 1744 Darien Congregational Church Z is Brookside Road 47 is miles from Federal Hall Scofield is the 1736 Bates-Scofield house (now the Museum of Darien) The squiggly arrow is the Goodwives River Y to Oxridge is Sedgwick Avenue